Carpinteria residents gathered at the Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday for the city’s first-ever Fix-it Fair, a free hands-on event aimed at reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Organized by Delayni Millar, environmental events specialist for the city of Carpinteria, the event was a celebration of community skill-sharing and sustainability.
Locals arrived with broken lamps, ripped clothing, dulled knives and old electronics, hoping to give their belongings a second life. Volunteer fixers staffed stations offering everything from clothing repairs and guitar tuning to bike fixes and free key duplication.
Participants were encouraged to bring up to two portable items for repair, along with any necessary replacement parts. In return, they received hands-on guidance and a chance to observe—and even participate in—the repair process.
The fair emphasized the value of preserving repair knowledge, reducing landfill waste, and strengthening community ties.
With its inaugural success, Carpinteria’s Fix-it Fair organizers hope it becomes a yearly event in the city’s environmental programming. Millar commented that she was thrilled with the turnout they’d had so far, and that she’s excited to build on this year’s momentum to plan for next year’s event. Locals interested in volunteering or sharing repair skills are encouraged to sign up for future events.
